New Ultimate Edition signals end of Civic Type R

Just a few days since Ford announced the end of the Ford Focus ST, and even fewer since we celebrated the Civic Type R as a fabulous car that’s still available, Honda has announced its demise as well. European sales will end in 2026, with no replacement forthcoming for the moment. The car – indeed the whole Civic Type R legacy, it seems, given the wording of the press release – will bow out with the Ultimate Edition. 

Spec-wise, there’s not an awful lot to it – certainly not in the mould of the FK8 Limited – although given it’s place in history, probably there doesn’t need to be. All 40 examples that are coming to European showrooms will be Championship White (of course), with red decals extending out from the red H bonnet badge and along the doors. There’s a plethora of carbon accents inside and out, including the rear spoiler, door sill, centre console and cup holder. The keyring is carbon, too, and each Ultimate gets a gift box with a numbered emblem from 1-40, for some idea of the limited edition’s scope; this is very much a traditional run-out model, rather than something as extreme as the Limited. You might argue – and we’d agree – that a Civic Type R of this significance should have Championship White wheels to match the paint; maybe that’s something for the few lucky customers to sort out. 

Honda reckons that the Ultimate is ‘designed to embody 28 years of hot hatch performance’, the CTR badge surely now ranking with GTI as one of the most iconic nameplates. One with an equally uncertain future, too. Hannah Swift, Honda’s Head of European Strategy and Product, said: “As we say farewell to a true icon of the Honda automobile line-up in Europe, we thought it was fitting to give the Civic Type R the ultimate send-off with this special edition model offering our customers a unique opportunity to celebrate its legacy. The industry is changing, and our model range is having to evolve with it in accordance with European legislation. However, Type R has always been Honda’s ultimate expression of our passion for driving excitement, and we look forward to celebrating its heritage in the weeks and months ahead.” Sounds a lot more like reminiscing rather than eagerly ramping up for the future. 

Let’s see. There have been fallow periods for the Civic Type R in the past, only for it to return better than ever. So nothing is beyond Honda, especially if the FL5 was withdrawn chiefly for its failure to comply with the incoming GSR2 safety regulations. For now, the race will be on to secure an Ultimate allocation. Of the 40 cars coming to Europe, a quarter are destined to arrive in the UK – a reflection of just how big the market is for silly Civics. Honda says it’s first come, first served on the 10 that are on the way, which will be sold alongside the remaining standard versions. So best get hold of your dealer pronto, hope for the best – and expect to pay at least £60k.